Fission Thrust sail as booster for high {\Delta}v fusion based propulsion

TL;DR

This paper explores a hybrid fission-fusion propulsion system using a fission thrust sail as a booster, demonstrating potential improvements in delta-v and acceleration for future starship propulsion.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a fission thrust sail as a booster for fusion rockets and assesses its performance through calculations and simulations.

Findings

Fission sail enhances delta-v when fusion efficiency is low.

Hybrid system can improve acceleration capabilities.

System benefits include neutron moderation and sail regeneration considerations.

Abstract

The fission thrust sail as booster for nuclear fusion-based rocket propulsion for future starships is studied. Some required aspects of these systems such as neutron moderation and sail regeneration are discussed. First order calculations are used together with Monte Carlo simulations to assess system performance. When the fusion rocket has relatively low efficiency (~30%) in converting fusion fuel to a directed exhaust, adding a fission sail is shown to be beneficial for obtainable delta-v. Also, this type of fission-fusion hybrid interstellar propulsion has the potential to improve acceleration. Other advantages are discussed as well.